One-stop digital camera shop in Plano, Texas, could be first of its kind.

Publication: The Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News)

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COPYRIGHT 2004 The Dallas Morning News

Byline: Steve Quinn

Nov. 22--PLANO, Texas -- All Jeff Goulston wanted was a little job security. Having watched thousands of jobs get shipped overseas, the technology consultant saw his long-term prospects drying up.

So he left the tenuous field for uncharted retail waters last fall, opening a Plano photography store whose offerings are strictly digital. No film cameras. No film processing.

Camera Stop may be the only store of its kind nationally, industry analysts and manufacturing executives say. And with digital camera sales surpassing film camera sales for the first time last year, it could point to what's ahead in photo retailing.

"A year ago, I might have said he's too early," said Ron Glaz, chief analyst for research firm International Data Corp. in Boston. "Now he's on the cusp where he's positioned himself before the whole market changes. I would say he's set up for the future."

Mr. Goulston opened Camera Stop knowing full well that the family-run shop would have to beat discounters, drugstores, electronics chains and specialty stores to win the digital dollar -- particularly during the holidays,...

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